Associate in Medical Coding & Billing

Career summary: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Average Salary

Career Outlook

Excellent

22% job growth by 2022, which is much faster than average

Earn a degree in medical coding & billing from an accredited college

One of the best ways to prepare for a career in medical coding & billing is through a college education. An Associate will help you develop entry level skills, general medical coding & billing know how and the basic medical coding & billing experience you need to start your career off right.
You may also consider a Bachelor's in Medical Coding & Billing to help you take your education and career to the next level.
Please select medical coding & billing school below.

Overview

Why would I want a degree in medical coding and billing?

The three main advantages to a degree in medical coding and billing are a high job demand, good salaries, and it only takes two years to complete it. Medical coding and billing also offers a good working environment with set hours. If you are one who pays attention to details, are good at clerical work, and have an interest in the medical and insurance industry, then this is a degree that you should highly consider. You can reach advisors for medical coding and billing programs at UMA at (855) 266-8152.

Job Description

What do people with a medical coding and billing degree do?

People in the medical and coding industry submit and follow up on claims to insurance companies in order to receive payment for services rendered by a healthcare provider. The same process is used for most insurance companies, whether they are private companies or government-owned.

Coders and billers work with patients to obtain medical records and histories. They also work with medical personnel to verify information and to make sure that all the information is transferred properly and in full.

Customer service is very important, as the people they contact are either colleagues, or they are patients who could be at stressful points in their lives. Successful coders and billers should also know medical terminology, anatomy, proper form completion, and required coding. They also have at least a basic knowledge of information systems and have proficient typing skills.

Professionals in the industry may be found working in all kinds of healthcare facilities which include: doctors’ offices, insurance companies, hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, or any other healthcare provider. Some of the most common jobs in the industry are listed below.

Medical Coder

Insurance Claims Analyst

Coding Specialist

Abstractor

Coding Technician

Medical Billing Specialist

Salary

How much do people in the medical coding and billing industry make?

According to a national survey that was done by the AAPC, the average annual salary range for medical coders and billers in 2008 was $39,400 to $46,500. The survey also indicated that compensation differences resulted from several influences: employers, training, work sites, schedules, complexity of the coding being done, and geographical location. For example, business size impacts your average salary, certified or not. Those who work for larger employers tend to get paid more.

There are also some specialties that tend to get paid more than others. The top 5 paying specialties in the coding and billing industry are listed below.
1. Neuropsychiatry: $62,500
2. Rheumatology: $57,800
3. Nephrology: $50,900
4. Plastic surgery: $47,200
5. Interventional radiology: $47,100

Career Outlook

How popular are medical coding and billing jobs?

In the foreseeable future, jobs in the coding and billing industry will continue to be the fastest growing industry in the medical field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate will be 20% through the year 2018, which growth rate is much faster than the average growth rate among all jobs. Spurring this growth is the need for insurance companies and the government to control claims’ fraud, abusive practices, and medical necessity issues.

Career Path

How can I become a professional in the medical coding and billing industry?

Actually, there is no formal education that is needed in order to become a medical coding and billing professional. Although, with insurance companies and the government trying to control medical and billing fraud, employers are looking more and more for those who do have formal education, training, and credentials in coding and billing.

Degrees for medical coding and billing are usually two year programs; although, some may last as little as nine months. There are also certifications that are offered by various institutions. It would be best to advise someone at your school to find out which certifications would be the most appropriate for your given situation.

Medical Coding & Billing Schools (13)

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